I don't know what to think of this one. On one hand, Matthews very clearly doesn't fit this season's aspirations, if those were or still are alive in terms of sneaking into the playoffs.

The bottom line question is can you squeak an asset out of the swap. Is a high 2nd round pick next year worth it (assuming Cavs continue to slide) or say the rights to Billy Preston or Ante Zizic if they like him? Does Cleveland have the desire to give up the asset?

What it does for Cleveland is relieve them of JR Smith. He's cheaper than Wes Matthews this season, but carries a partial guaranty next season of $3.87mm. He could easily provide as much as Matthews on the court, but would be a downgrade off the court, by most accounts.

I’d happily trade a second rounder for JR Smith if CLE throws in a first.

__________________
“It’s the Dirk Nowitzki effect on their offense. As a defense, you absolutely overreact to every situation he’s
in -- or even that he’s not in -- and then you lose all sight of your team defensive rules." --Erik Spoelstra

Oh man, if you dislike paying Powell 9mill, then just wait until you pay Smith 15.7mill NEXT YEAR

Partially guaranteed so you could just cut/release, right? I'm just looking at all angles.

The only way I'd do it is if the Mavs somehow got an asset out of it. The main goal would be their 2nd rounder for the 2019 draft or similar. I have no idea about the depth of the draft, so I'm talking hypothetically, but it that could turn into a Brunson, Robinson, Trent Jr., Bates-Diop type, is it worth the $3.78mm buyout (if that's how it works)?

Edit: assuming Cavs continue to suck and that ends up being a low 30s pick.

Pass. KISS. Better to try and get rid of Matthews before trade deadline, if possible, but only if not taking on salary next year; otherwise, suck it up, move him to the bench and look forward to the cap space next year when he moves on.